ASTC - Saudi & Africa Compliance Services

ASTC - Saudi & Africa Compliance Services Global product certification, inspection and compliance services for Middle East and Africa markets.

ASTC is a global product certification, inspection, and compliance service provider, supporting manufacturers, exporters, and importers in accessing Middle East and African markets. We specialize in Saudi Arabia (SABER / SASO / SFDA), Kenya PVOC (KEBS – Zone-1 China), and regional compliance schemes across Africa, GCC, and international conformity programs. With on-ground technical coordination in

China, Saudi Arabia, and Africa, ASTC provides end-to-end support covering product testing, factory audit, document review, conformity assessment, and shipment clearance assistance. Our services are designed for:

Manufacturers exporting from China

Importers operating in Saudi Arabia and Africa

Trading companies handling multi-country compliance

Core services include:
• Saudi SABER & SASO conformity
• Kenya PVOC (KEBS Zone-1 China)
• Africa COC programs
• GCC & IECEE related conformity
• Factory Audit & Inspection

📩 Message us for case assessment
📲 WhatsApp available for business inquiries

ASTC 是一家全球性的产品认证、检测与合规服务机构，致力于协助制造商、出口商及进口商顺利进入中东及非洲市场。

我们专注于 沙特阿拉伯（SABER / SASO / SFDA）、肯尼亚 PVOC（KEBS 中国区 Zone-1），并覆盖 非洲各国 COC 项目、GCC 及国际合规体系。

ASTC 在 中国、沙特及非洲 均具备实际项目协调经验，可为客户提供从产品测试、工厂审核、文件审核，到合格评定及清关支持的一站式合规服务。

我们的服务对象包括：

中国出口型工厂

沙特及非洲进口商

涉及多国合规的贸易公司

核心服务范围：
• 沙特 SABER / SASO 认证
• 肯尼亚 PVOC（KEBS 中国 Zone-1）
• 非洲 COC 合规项目
• GCC / IECEE 相关合格评定
• 工厂审核与验货

📩 欢迎私信进行合规案例评估
📲 支持 WhatsApp 商务咨询

🚢 Exporting to Kenya Every Month? You May Not Need to Repeat the Full PVoC Process Every Shipment.Many exporters assume ...
20/07/2026

🚢 Exporting to Kenya Every Month? You May Not Need to Repeat the Full PVoC Process Every Shipment.

Many exporters assume that every shipment to Kenya requires exactly the same PVoC procedure.

In reality, if your company exports the same products regularly, there may be a more efficient certification route available.

For eligible general products, the Route B pathway is designed for manufacturers and exporters with continuous shipments of similar products.

✅ Test reports can remain valid for up to 3 years.

✅ After the initial product registration process, subsequent shipments typically require only shipment monitoring, while full product verification is carried out periodically according to the Route B requirements.

This can significantly improve certification efficiency for companies exporting to Kenya on a regular basis.

If you're shipping similar products to Kenya every month, it's worth checking whether Route B is suitable for your products before your next shipment.

At ASTC, we help exporters choose the most appropriate PVoC route based on their products and shipment frequency.

📩 Feel free to contact us if you'd like to evaluate whether your products are eligible for Route B.

Why Some Heavy Equipment Can't Get a SABER Certificate - The Real Issue May Be the ChassisMany exporters believe that if...
19/07/2026

Why Some Heavy Equipment Can't Get a SABER Certificate - The Real Issue May Be the Chassis

Many exporters believe that if a heavy machine cannot obtain a SABER certificate, the problem is with the documents.

In reality, that's not always the case.

For some Machinery 2 and Machinery 3 products, the real issue is the GCC certification of the chassis.

Examples include:

Dump Truck
Full Hydraulic Truck Crane
Truck Crane

These machines must be registered for road use in Saudi Arabia.

If you choose the commercial certification pathway, the chassis must already have GCC certification. Without it, the PCoC (Product Certificate of Conformity) cannot be issued.

In many cases, the practical solution is to follow the non-commercial pathway, where an Inspection Report is issued and the importer applies for a Non-commercial SCoC.

On the other hand, heavy equipment that does not require vehicle registration, such as excavators and many tracked machines, generally does not require GCC chassis certification.

Before starting the SABER process, ask two simple questions:

✔ Is the equipment classified as Machinery 2 or Machinery 3?
✔ Does it require vehicle registration in Saudi Arabia?

Understanding these two points can save significant time and prevent costly delays.





Dump Trucks Export to Saudi Arabia - They Are Classified as Machinery 2, Not Vehicle RegulationsMany exporters assume th...
09/07/2026

Dump Trucks Export to Saudi Arabia - They Are Classified as Machinery 2, Not Vehicle Regulations

Many exporters assume that dump trucks should follow the vehicle certification route when exporting to Saudi Arabia.

In fact, the certification path may be different from what you expect.

Under the applicable certification framework, dump trucks are processed as Machinery 2, rather than under the standard vehicle regulation pathway.

The typical certification process includes:

✔ Inspection Report
✔ PCoC (Product Certificate of Conformity)
✔ SCoC (Shipment Certificate of Conformity)

One of the most common mistakes is judging the certification route based solely on the product name.

For Saudi Arabia, the applicable regulation and product classification determine the correct certification process—not whether the product looks like a vehicle.

Choosing the wrong pathway may lead to unnecessary delays and additional documentation before customs clearance.

If you're planning to export dump trucks or other construction machinery to Saudi Arabia, it's always worth confirming the correct certification route before shipment.





We recently received an inquiry about exporting a Portable Solar Generator to Kenya.Many exporters assume that because t...
06/07/2026

We recently received an inquiry about exporting a Portable Solar Generator to Kenya.

Many exporters assume that because the product contains a lithium battery, it is automatically classified as a high-risk product. In practice, that is not always the case.

For Kenya PVoC compliance, the correct assessment should be based on the product type, HS Code, and KEBS requirements, rather than simply whether the product contains a battery.

Before shipping, it is recommended to confirm:

✅ Product description
✅ HS Code classification
✅ Technical specifications
✅ Applicable Kenya PVoC requirements

Proper classification at the beginning can help avoid unnecessary delays during inspection and certification.

If you're planning to export portable solar generators or other electrical products to Kenya and are unsure about the certification requirements, feel free to contact us for a preliminary assessment.

Recently, we received an inquiry from an exporter shipping an air compressor system to Saudi Arabia.The air compressor h...
16/06/2026

Recently, we received an inquiry from an exporter shipping an air compressor system to Saudi Arabia.

The air compressor had already been registered in SABER, but the accompanying desiccant air dryer had not been included.

This is a common issue with industrial equipment exports.

Many suppliers sell the air compressor and adsorption dryer as one package, but in SABER they are often treated as separate products if they have:

• Different model numbers
• Separate nameplates
• Independent technical specifications

In practice, the compliance structure is often:

✔ Air Compressor → Separate PCoC

✔ Desiccant Air Dryer → Separate PCoC

After both products are registered, the shipment can proceed with SCoC issuance.

For mechanical equipment exported to Saudi Arabia, one of the most common mistakes is assuming that an entire system can be covered by a single product registration.

Before shipment, it is always recommended to verify:

• HS Code
• Product description
• Product models
• Nameplate information
• Applicable SABER category

A few minutes of verification before shipment can prevent costly delays during customs clearance.

If you are exporting industrial machinery, compressors, welding equipment, processing machines, or production line equipment to Saudi Arabia, checking the compliance path early is always a good investment.










Washing Machine Export to Saudi Arabia? Not Every Washing Machine Requires IECEE.One of the most common misunderstanding...
14/06/2026

Washing Machine Export to Saudi Arabia? Not Every Washing Machine Requires IECEE.

One of the most common misunderstandings we see is assuming that all washing machines follow the same certification route.

In practice, the first step is not checking IECEE.

The first step is understanding the product category.

Recently, we reviewed a project under HS Code 845140000000 (Washing, Bleaching or Dyeing Machines).

For commercial washing equipment with a capacity above 14KG, the product may fall under the Machinery Safety Technical Regulation pathway rather than the household appliance pathway.

In such cases, the applicable conformity route can be completely different from standard household washing machines.

The product name may be the same.

The compliance pathway may not be.

Before starting the certification process, it is always worth confirming:

• Product category
• Capacity (KG)
• HS Code
• Applicable technical regulations

In many cases, once the product classification is confirmed, the certification route becomes much clearer.








A coffee grinder export project to Saudi Arabia reminded me of something that is becoming more common in SABER certifica...
12/06/2026

A coffee grinder export project to Saudi Arabia reminded me of something that is becoming more common in SABER certification.

At the beginning, the product was prepared as a household appliance.

The certification route seemed straightforward:

CB Test Report
→ CB Certificate
→ IECEE Recognition Certificate
→ SABER Product Certificate (PC)

The testing was completed and most of the technical documents were already prepared.

However, during the product classification review, we found that the importer intended to declare the product under a commercial-use HS Code.

That single change completely altered the certification pathway.

Instead of following the IECEE route, the product could proceed directly through the Product Certificate (PC) process based on the commercial HS Code.

The earlier CB documents were not wasted, but the certificate ultimately used for customs clearance was the PC issued under the commercial classification.

Over the past few years, this situation has become increasingly common.

Many people assume certification requirements are determined by what a product looks like.

In reality, the certification route is often determined by the HS Code used for import declaration.

The same coffee grinder may require different compliance paths depending on its classification.

One project.
One product.
Two completely different certification routes.

Sometimes the biggest obstacle is not the test report.

It's the product classification.

Kenya PVoC Update: CoC Unit of Measure Should Follow Import DocumentsKEBS has clarified that the unit of measure shown o...
11/06/2026

Kenya PVoC Update: CoC Unit of Measure Should Follow Import Documents

KEBS has clarified that the unit of measure shown on the CoC should follow the unit declared in the import documents such as the Proforma Invoice, Commercial Invoice and Packing List.

Examples:

• Invoice / Packing List = PCS → CoC can show PCS

• Invoice / Packing List = KGM → CoC should show KGM

This clarification relates to the unit of measure displayed on the CoC only.

It does not introduce a mandatory weighing inspection requirement.

Based on current practice, document consistency remains one of the most important factors during the PVoC process.

A few practical points worth noting:

✔ Products sold by weight should have weighing evidence available, including empty scale and loaded scale photos when required.

✔ For containerized shipments, the final Packing List should reflect the actual loaded weight rather than simply copying the quantity declared on the IDF.

✔ If the actual shipment weight exceeds the weight declared on the IDF, the importer should review the IDF details before shipment to avoid document discrepancies.

In many cases, PVoC delays are not caused by test reports.

They are caused by inconsistencies between shipping documents.

⚠️ Welding Machine Export to Saudi Arabia: One Requirement Many Factories MissRecently, we received an inquiry from a ma...
08/06/2026

⚠️ Welding Machine Export to Saudi Arabia: One Requirement Many Factories Miss

Recently, we received an inquiry from a manufacturer exporting welding machines to Saudi Arabia.

Many exporters assume welding machines follow the same SABER process as ordinary machinery. In practice, there is an important difference that is often overlooked.

For Saudi Arabia clearance, welding machines generally require:

✅ PCoC (Product Certificate of Conformity)

✅ SCoC (Shipment Certificate of Conformity)

A PCoC is typically valid for 1 year, while an SCoC is required for each shipment.

One common issue is the EMC report.

For many mechanical products, EMC is not a major concern. However, welding machines are electrical products and are often required to provide EMC testing documentation during the SABER certification process.

We frequently see cases where manufacturers have already prepared safety reports, but certification is delayed because an EMC report is missing.

Before starting a SABER application, it is recommended to confirm:

• HS Code

• Product photos

• Nameplate

• User manual

• Safety test reports

• EMC test reports

Requirements may vary depending on the product type and HS Code classification.

If your shipment schedule is tight, checking compliance documents early can help avoid delays during certification and customs clearance.

SONCAP PC2 Rejected? The Product Category May Be the Real ReasonMany exporters assume the only difference between SONCAP...
08/06/2026

SONCAP PC2 Rejected? The Product Category May Be the Real Reason

Many exporters assume the only difference between SONCAP PC1 and PC2 is validity.

PC1 = Single shipment
PC2 = Valid for one year

In practice, the first thing we check is often not the certificate type.

It is the HS Code.

Certain products fall under Nigeria's high-risk product category (PROTEM), which follows different certification requirements from ordinary products.

Common examples include:

• Inverters
• Chargers
• Batteries
• Solar Panels

When an exporter asks whether a product can be registered under PC2, the answer often depends on the product category rather than the application documents.

This is why HS Code verification is usually one of the first steps before discussing the SONCAP route.

Understanding the product classification early can save a lot of unnecessary back-and-forth during the certification process.

Address

4264, Ibn Al Mawardi, Al Sulaimaniyah Dist
Riyadh
12242

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Sunday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+966540487417

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